Gravitational-wave researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new model that could help astronomers track down the origin of a heavy black hole nursery in the Universe. Black holes are formed following the collapse of stars and possibly supernova explosions. These colossally dense objects are measured in terms of solar masses (M⊙) — the mass of our Sun.
Typically, stars will only form black holes with masses of up to 45 M⊙. These systems then pair and merge together, producing gravitational waves that are observed by the LIGO and Virgo detectors. Stellar collapse, however, causes instabilities that prevent the formation of heavier black holes — so a new model is needed to explain the existence of binary black hole systems with masses larger than about 50 M⊙.
These objects are thought to be formed from binary black holes that have then gone on to merge with other black holes. Scientists believe that these “next generation” black holes — made up of the merger of their “parents” — might be the heavier ones observable by LIGO and Virgo.
Illustration of what it might look like when the black holes in a binary system collide, releasing gravitational waves. (Image: via NASA Goddard)
In a new study, published in Physical Review D Rapid Communications, researchers from the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy suggest that future detections of multiple generations of black hole mergers would allow us to figure out their birthplace.
They have produced new calculations that could help astronomers better understand these mergers — and where to find them. Dr. Davide Gerosa, the lead author of the paper, explained:
“Star clusters — groups of stars that are bound together by gravity — might act like black-hole ‘nurseries,’ providing an ideal environment to grow generations of black holes.
“But in order to know what type of star clusters are most likely to be capable of producing these, we first need to know something about the physical conditions that would be needed.”
Escape speed needed to host a black hole
The team believes they have found part of the solution to this puzzle by calculating the likely “escape speed” a cluster needs to have to be able to host a black hole with a mass above 50 M⊙. The escape speed is the velocity at which an object would need to be traveling to escape the gravitational pull.
For instance, a rocket leaving Earth would need to be traveling at 11 km/s (25,000 mph) to get into orbit. When they merge, black holes receive recoils or kicks. Much like a gun recoils as a bullet is shot, they recoil as gravitational waves are emitted.
Rockets must reach a speed of 11 km/s to break free from Earth’s grasp, similar to how black holes need a specific ‘escape speed’ to elude the gravitational pull within their clusters. (Image: John A Davis via Shutterstock)
The next generation of black holes can form only if their parents have not been “kicked out” of the cluster, i.e., only if the escape speed of the cluster is large enough. The team calculated that observing ones with a mass above 50 M⊙ would suggest that the cluster where they lived had an escape speed larger than about 50 km/s.
Co-author Professor Emanuele Berti, from Johns Hopkins University, explains:
“Gravitational wave observations provide an unprecedented opportunity to understand the astrophysical settings where black holes form and evolve.
“A very massive event would point towards a dense environment with large escape speed.”
Where might you find these types of dense clusters? Many predictions for LIGO and Virgo so far concentrated on “globular clusters” — spherical collections of about a million stars tightly bound together in the outskirts of galaxies. Their escape speed, however, is too low.
This new study finds globular clusters are unlikely to host multiple generations of black holes. Astronomers will need to look further afield: Nuclear star clusters, found toward the center of some galaxies, are dense enough and might provide the type of environment needed to produce these objects. Dr. Gerosa said:
“Gravitational-wave astronomy is revolutionizing our understanding of the Universe.
“We are all waiting for upcoming results from LIGO and Virgo to put these and other astrophysical predictions to the test.”
Provided by: University of Birmingham [Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.]
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest
